Students at Abilene Christian University will have access
to scholarships and a high-tech classroom thanks to a
$125,000 grant from the Southwestern Bell Foundation.
Southwestern Bell today presented a check to officials from
ACU.

The grant will be used to fund the student Advantage
Awards, a scholarship program for Abilene-area students from
low-income families who are first-generation college
students. Awards are designated by ACU's Student Financial
Services. Funds also will help create a "smart classroom" in
ACU's College of Business Administration building. The smart
classroom will feature computers connected with projection
equipment and a large screen that will bring the Internet or
other computer programs into full view of all students in
the room.

"The Southwestern Bell Foundation is very generous to
provide this grant to benefit the students here in Abilene,"
said Dr. John Tyson, ACU vice president for development.
"Their support of our community demonstrates the commitment
they have to the future success of the Abilene region."

ACU president Dr. Royce Money added, "With Southwestern
Bell's assistance, we will be able to continue to integrate
innovative technology solutions for business in the
curriculum of our College of Business Administration. Our
vision through our College of Business Administration is to
develop students of outstanding character who are uniquely
qualified to provide leadership and service in today's
global, technological marketplace. We want them to change
the world."

"Our support will prepare ACU graduates for service and
leadership in the global and technological marketplace,"
said Randy Teakell, area manager of external affairs for
Southwestern Bell. "As a telecommunications industry leader,
Southwestern Bell recognizes that today's students need the
skills and knowledge to work in a world where advanced
technologies are the norm. Southwestern Bell is proud to
support this exciting initiative."

"When corporations like Southwestern Bell partner with
schools like ACU, the results are far-reaching. Doors are
opened for students, allowing them access to the tools that
will help shape their future," Money said.

ACU is a national leader in Christian higher education,
attracting nearly 4,800 students from all 50 states and more
than 60 nations. ACU offers exceptional academic quality and
is one of "American's 100 Best College Buys." The school's
long-standing mission is to educate students for Christian
service and leadership throughout the world.

The Southwestern Bell Foundation is a member of the SBC
Foundation, the charitable giving arm of SBC Communications
Inc. and its family of companies. In 2000, SBC, through
Foundation and corporate giving, donated more than $95
million to support efforts that enrich and strengthen
diverse communities nationwide. The Foundation places
primary emphasis on supporting programs that help increase
access to information technologies; broaden training and
professional skills development; and effectively integrate
new technologies to enhance education and economic
development - especially for underserved populations. SBC
has been named among America's Most Generous Companies for
two consecutive years by "Worth" magazine (2000 &
2001).

If you are a member of the media who would like more
information about this release, please contact Tom
Craig, director of media and community relations, at
craigt@acu.edu or call
915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469).